Synthesis of magnetic nanoparticles and its applications in drug delivery systems

Abstract:Summary An improved method of drug delivery is much needed in areas such as cancer therapy in which more drugs needs to be delivered to a specific site and non-specific toxicities should be minimal. Drug delivery systems using magnetic carriers serve as a potential solution to this problem. This system would use an external magnet to guide magnetic nanoparticles loaded with drugs to a specific location to be released. In this research, the goal is to produce such particles that are nano in size, paramagnetic in nature and biocompatible. Synthesis techniques include sonochemistry, microwave irradiation and autogenic pressure reactor. Presently, synthesized particles, characterized through XRD and EDS-TEM include iron oxides and iron carbides that vary in crystallization. Magnetic characterization of all particles tested thus far has shown to have some extent of paramagnetic properties. Continued work on this project includes optimizing the synthesis procedure, coating the particles with a surfactant for biocompatibility, and uploading drugs into the system. Also, previously synthesized systems will have additional analysis, as well as the surfactant coated particles and the drug loaded systems.